ABSTRACT
Work for Louis XIV meant the government of France in the pursuit of these priorities. This chapter explores his methods and his achievements. It shows how the Sun King established his position as head of government after Cardinal Mazarin's death in March 1661. Louis's cultivation of his own image was certainly a crucial part of his professionalism, especially in the context of the court. The quarter-century of war against virtually the rest of Europe (1688–1713) brought France to her financial knees. The soulagement of the people was put on hold. Arguably the period between Louvois's death in 1691 and the end of the reign in 1715 was the true period of absolutism. While Louis excelled in his control of government, Church and armed forces, he was seen at his most impressive at court. In August 1715, he remarked that having lived in the midst of his courtiers all his life he was glad to die there.
